Habit Stacking: Tiny Tweaks, Epic Results!

The Engineer's Edge: Mastering Leadership and Habits

A Personal Note on Growth and Mastery

Leadership isn't a title—it's a journey. I didn’t wake up one day as a senior engineer; it happened gradually, through experience, reflection, and consistency. Over time, I discovered that success in this role isn't just about technical expertise—it's about habits. The daily choices we make, the routines we establish, and the strategies we use to maintain discipline shape us into effective leaders.

One powerful tool I've incorporated into my leadership is habit stacking, a method that has transformed the way I approach both personal and professional development. This newsletter is a deep dive into the habits that define successful engineering leadership and how habit stacking can make them second nature.

9 Daily Habits That Define a Successful Engineering Leader

1. Planning with Precision

My day starts with reviewing messages and setting priorities. Global teams mean different time zones, and staying ahead requires strategic planning. Before diving into meetings, I refresh my knowledge, prepare arguments, and organize my thoughts. A structured approach to planning ensures efficiency and focus.

Habit Stacking Tip: After reviewing my emails in the morning, I immediately set my top three priorities for the day. This keeps me on track before distractions set in.

2. Mastering Time Management

A senior role demands accountability. Unlike junior roles where you can log off at six sharp, leadership often requires going the extra mile. Clear time management means knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and maintaining a balance between work and life.

Habit Stacking Tip: After wrapping up a meeting, I immediately update my task list with new action items. This prevents tasks from piling up and ensures nothing is forgotten.

3. Prioritizing What Matters

With countless tasks on my plate—project planning, customer communication, team oversight—I’ve learned that prioritization is key. Without it, work becomes chaotic, and quality suffers.

Habit Stacking Tip: Before accepting any new task, I evaluate its urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix. If it doesn’t align with my goals, I delegate or decline it.

4. Strengthening Team Connections

Leadership is about people. I dedicate my working hours to ensuring my team thrives. Whether through meetings, informal discussions, or collaborative problem-solving, strong relationships drive success.

Habit Stacking Tip: After my daily team check-in, I take five minutes to send a message of appreciation or support to a colleague. Small gestures build strong teams.

5. Continuous Learning and Self-Growth

Technology evolves rapidly, and staying ahead means constant learning. Certifications, courses, and self-driven research are non-negotiables for any engineer who wants to lead effectively.

Habit Stacking Tip: After my lunch break, I spend 15 minutes reading an article or watching a technical tutorial. This daily habit keeps me updated without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Removing Distractions for Deep Work

Endless notifications, emails, and meetings can fragment focus. To deliver my best work, I create uninterrupted blocks of deep work.

Habit Stacking Tip: Before starting a deep-focus task, I activate Do Not Disturb mode and clear my workspace. This simple trigger signals my brain that it's time for undistracted work.

7. Embracing Rest and Reset

Stepping away from work isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it's a walk, physical activity, or simply logging off at a reasonable hour, mental resets boost creativity and problem-solving.

Habit Stacking Tip: After finishing my last task for the day, I engage in a 10-minute mindfulness exercise. This helps me transition from work to personal time with clarity.

8. Staying Available, but Setting Boundaries

Being a leader means being accessible, but it’s important to define limits. I make myself available to my team without sacrificing my own productivity and well-being.

Habit Stacking Tip: Before responding to a non-urgent message, I ask myself: “Can this wait until my focused work is done?” If yes, I set it aside and return to it later.

9. Finding Joy in the Work

At the end of the day, passion drives success. I thrive on solving complex problems and seeing my work make a difference.

Habit Stacking Tip: Before logging off each day, I reflect on one achievement or moment of progress. This small habit reinforces my motivation and reminds me why I love what I do.

The Power of Habit Stacking in Engineering Leadership

Habit stacking is a game-changer. It simplifies the process of forming new habits by attaching them to existing ones, making change effortless and automatic. This technique works because it aligns with the four laws of behavior change:

1. Make it Obvious: Linking a new habit to an established one creates a clear trigger.

2. Make it Attractive: Pairing a new habit with something enjoyable increases motivation.

3. Make it Easy: Small, manageable steps ensure success.

4. Make it Satisfying: Immediate rewards solidify the habit loop.

How to Implement Habit Stacking Effectively

• Identify a strong existing habit (e.g., checking emails, making coffee, attending daily standups).

• Attach a new habit to it using the formula: After [current habit], I will [new habit].

• Start small and scale gradually. Avoid overwhelming yourself with big changes.

• Track progress. Use habit trackers or simple checklists to maintain momentum.

• Celebrate wins. Reinforcing positive behavior helps habits stick.

Examples of Habit Stacking for Engineers

• After I push my first commit of the day, I will review one teammate’s code.

• Before I join a meeting, I will write down key discussion points.

• After my morning standup, I will update my project tracking board.

• Before shutting down my laptop, I will spend five minutes cleaning my workspace.

These small yet powerful habits, when consistently applied, create lasting change and elevate leadership effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Success isn’t built overnight, and leadership isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about discipline, consistency, and the daily habits that shape who we become. By incorporating habit stacking into our routine, we can drive meaningful progress without relying solely on willpower.

Try implementing just one habit stack this week and see how it transforms your workflow. Small steps lead to big changes—one habit at a time.

Until next time, keep building, keep leading, and keep growing.

That’s it! Keep innovating and stay inspired! If you think your colleagues and friends would find this content valuable, we’d love it if you shared our newsletter with them!

PROMO CONTENT

Can email newsletters make money?

With the world becoming increasingly digital, this question will be on the minds of millions of people looking for new income streams in 2025.

The answer is—Absolutely!

That’s it for this episode!

Thank you for taking the time to read today’s email! Your support allows me to send out this newsletter for free every day. 

 What do you think for today’s episode? Please provide your feedback in the poll below.

Share the newsletter with your friends and colleagues if you find it valuable.

Disclaimer: The "Tiny Big Spark" newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only, not a substitute for professional advice, including financial, legal, medical, or technical. We strive for accuracy but make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of the information provided. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect any organization's official position. This newsletter may link to external sites we don't control; we do not endorse their content. We are not liable for any losses or damages from using this information.